History

Narrative Summary

The Royal Bahamas Police Force first established an ‘Airwing Section’ in 1964, operating chartered private aircraft. Its main role was surveillance and air patrol, to discourage illegal immigrants and poachers from entering Bahamas territorial areas. In the late seventies and early eighties the detection of drug trafficking was added to its mandate.

In 1991 the Section acquired its first owned and operated aircraft, a Piper Navajo. A second Navajo was obtained soon afterwards. These aircraft were retired in 2002 and put into open storage without replacement.

Circa 2009 the Section was reorganised and renamed the Air Support Service Unit. In 2009 a new Cessna 208 Grand Caravan was taken into service. Roles now include VIP Transport, Police personnel transport, Search and Rescue support, prisoner transport and border patrol.

Key Dates

1964

RBPF Police Airwing Section established.

1991

Airwing renamed Air Support Service Unit.

1991

First aircraft delivered.

2009

Cessna 208 Grand Caravan delivered.

Current Status

The aircraft of the RBPF are fully operational.

Future Plans

No plans known.

Markings

National Insignia

Aircraft carry ‘ROYAL BAHAMAS POLICE’ titles on the fuselage sides, a small national flag on the fin and the Police crest under the cockpit.

History

Owned by the Air Wing / Royal Bahamas Defence Force but operated by the Royal Bahamas Police Force. These aircraft are actually Colemill Panther conversions with updrated engines, 4-bladed propellers and winglets.